Cumbria Police is urging people to plan ahead so they don’t find themselves drunk and behind the wheel this Christmas and New Year.

Officers, including from Cumbria Police’s dedicated Roads Policing Unit, are targeting those who are behind the wheel whilst unfit through drink or drugs as part of the Constabulary Christmas and New Year road safety campaign.

Inspector Jack Stabler said: “Whilst the vast majority of drivers on our roads are careful and conscientious, the fact is that we know our officers are going to find scores of drivers over the coming weeks who are unfit through drink or drugs.

“In many ways, those we catch are the lucky ones as there is a significant likelihood that we have caught them before they have caused devastation and potentially tragedy to themselves or other road users.

“There is no excuse for being intoxicated behind the wheel and anyone who is caught can expect a significant driving ban as a minimum.”

If you are stopped by police and found to be over the limit for drink or drugs, you could lose your license, your job, be fined thousands of pounds and potentially be sent to prison.

Someone who causes death by careless or dangerous driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs could be sent to prison, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Last year’s operation (1/12/22 – 1/1/23)

Officers undertook 654 Breath Tests in total

• 63 Arrests for Section 5 OPL (alcohol)
• 84 Arrests for Section 5A (Drug Driving)
• 7 Arrests for Section 4(Impaired through drink / drugs)

During the month of the operation (1/1222 – 1/1/23) there were 23 KSI (Killed or Serious Injury) collisions, of which five were fatal. 

Inspector Stabler said: “Our officers are targeting drink and drug drivers every day of the year. However, we know that the temptation is greatest at this time of year.

“That is why it is so important for people to make plans for getting home in advance of going out.

“Every year ahead of the Christmas and New Year periods there are lives lost needlessly as a result of drivers being unfit through drink or drugs.

“Our officers will be doing their part to prevent a tragedy in Cumbria this Christmas. Do your part by not drinking and driving.”

Cumbria’s Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Mike Johnson, said: “Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is an incredibly selfish act.

“By driving under the influence, not only does the driver place their own life at risk but they endanger the lives of innocent drivers, passengers and pedestrians as well.

“We all want to enjoy the Christmas period and that often involves a few drinks with friends and family. However, it’s important that we all have a safe and sober way home.

“I am urging everyone to drive responsibly and sober and if you know of someone that is driving under the influence, please report it to the Police on 999.”